I have only posted once in the past 2 months because everytime I sit down to write (which has been several times) I can't be creative enough to leave out the autism. It has the #1 spot on our priority list lately. So, let's see this as my "coming out" blog, of sorts.
We've known about Coleman's autism for the past 2 years. He was originally diagnosed as PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified.) This is a general diagnosis under the autism umbrella. We started him in Special Ed. PreK and he was there for the past 2 years. He really did well there- a model student and really bright to boot! We were so excited when they told us that he would be mainstreaming into a "typical" kindergarten class this year.
Coleman started kindergarten 2 months ago and is as bright (if not brighter) than all of his classmates but you can tell that he socially a bit different. He has trouble looking people in the eye. He has trouble iniatating conversations with his peers. He stims quite a bit, which means that he kind of retreats to his own world and runs around with seemingly no idea what he's doing. (Although, we know that he is very aware of his surroundings when he's in "stimming mode." He just seems to be unaware. Make any sense?) Ever since beginning kindergarten, Coleman's more "unusual" behaviors have resurfaced because of how overwhelming it's been for him to adjust to this new setting (24 kids, only 1 teacher!) He's been having meltdowns in class. He's been carried to the principal's office on more than one occasion. They call me once he gets to that point and I come running to either take him home or calm him down enough to go back to class. It's been so tough on him.
BUT we have hope! We took Coleman to see a DAN! (defeat autism now!) doctor and we will be starting biomedical treatments to help minimize his behaviors. This includes dealing with excesses of yeast in his system, building up his immunity and perhaps changing his diet. Will and I are both really excited to finally be able to do something that might help Coleman. Many kids have been treated by DAN! doctors and shown dramatic improvements, to the point that they are indistinguishable from their peers. Of course, insurance covers none of this and we are bound to end up in debt, but we HAVE to do it. Is there even a choice when it comes to our kids?! We do what we have to do.
So, keep us in your prayers. We could use them. And since no blog is complete without a picture. Here's a cute pic of Coleman on Halloween (he had a blast trick 'r' treating, by the way.) I love you, my beautiful boy!
